Greetings from Chicago.com,

Apple. Zuma. Knox. Apparently, if you want to morph your precious darlings into celebrity babies, they need unique names. In Chicago, however, tots don't need to wear fancy schmancy couture or ride a baby Hummer. We have outdoor parks and great museums for our little ones. And, of course, we have boutiques too--just in case you can't resist buying that bedazzled bib or oversized stuffed doggie. This April, enjoy getting outside with the kiddies; springtime in the city is finally here.

Of course, spring weather in Chicago isn't always ideal for catching some rays or strolling around town. So, check out Chicago.com's new ticketing section for live shows, sports, and performances. They have tickets for all the best shows. Whether you are watching Britney's comeback or taking your niece to see Mary Poppins, Chicago.com/tickets is the supreme place to secure your seats all year round.

Tiny Brainiacs

Who needs to play Mozart every day to ensure your baby will score a 1600 on the SAT? Every Tuesday, tots experience costumed characters dancing, singing, and telling stories based on a different theme at the Shedd Aquarium.

SheddAquarium.org

Book the Sitter

Sick of singing Patty Cake Patty Cake? Want to get out for a night on the town? The Loyal Divide is playing at the Congress Theater on April 11th. Their unique blend of rock will blow you away. Some tunes are smooth and slow and others are energizing and fun. Check 'em out on Myspace, Facebook, and www.theloyaldivide.com websites.

ClubTix.net

Baby Race

Stake out your baby jogger and head to the 4th annual "Race to Wrigley" 5K Run on Saturday, April 25. Joggers will start and end at the legendary Wrigley Field. Not only will you lose those post-baby pounds (or sympathy weight for all those papas out there), but also you'll help a great cause: Chicago Cubs Charities.

MLB.com

Snack Time

So chances are you aren't schlepping your kids to Brazil to spot a spider monkey. So instead, check out the Rainforest Cafe at 605 N. Clark St. (There's also one at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg). It's one of the few places where you can eat, shop, and learn.

RainForestCafe.com

Great Gear

Searching for the perfect gift for a baby shower? Twinkle Twinkle Little One is THE store for all things baby gear and baby room. Rachel Glasson, the owner, is committed to furnishing Chicagoland nurseries with unique and custom creations. And, as someone who uses her grass and marigold Serena & Lily Sling and large Wagamama Floor Mat every day, I know a good baby boutique when I see one.

TwinkleTwinkleLittleOne.com

Little Atheletes

Kids need to learn their A-B-Cs, how to tie their shoes, and how to be a number #1 baseball fan. Whether you are a die-hard Sox or Cubs fan, go see their home openers this April. And, if you don't bring a kid, you could still eat like a six-year old-cotton candy and hot dogs, anyone?

Chicago.com Tickets

Green Baby

Celebrate Earth Day at Kilbourn Park, Chicago Park District's only park with a teaching organic greenhouse. You can teach your tots about our planet or you can just let them run around at their 12-acre park.

ChicagoParkDistrict.com

A Big Labyrinth

I would get seriously lost without my car's navigation system. At Navy Pier, however, you get lost in their 4000 square foot maze for fun. In order to get out, you'll play interactive games. Kids aren't the only ones who will like it—it makes a great date night too (unless you are really trying to ditch him/her inside the maze). When you are done, head to Imax theatre; on Thursdays adults get in with a child rate.

AmazingChicago.com

Suburban Bambinos

When we were little, my sister and I played store, house and beauty shop. Yes, she did chop my hair and give me uneven bangs when she was 8 and I was 6. I wish we'd had known about the Kohl's Children's Museum, the place for interactive play where kids can pretend and let their imaginations soar.

KohlChildrensMuseum.org